The phoenix's shadow was fiery red. It appeared in the air without warning, looming like colorful clouds, yet clearly visible as a phoenix with its wings spread.

Even the common people on the street saw it and gathered in groups of two or three in front of the left building, stunned.

"This is a phoenix!"

"Is there a poetry meeting today? Could it be that some god of literature has descended to earth?"

"Even if Wenquxing descends to earth, a phoenix will not appear..."

The streets were bustling with noise and all kinds of discussions could be heard one after another.

If they hadn't heard that the left building was the property of Prince Cheng's mansion, they would have squeezed in to find out what was going on.

Jiaoyang opened his mouth slightly and asked excitedly, "Sister, what is this?"

"It's a phoenix." Sheng Xiyan said gently, "Do you remember the acrobatics we watched last time?"

Jiaoyang nodded.

"It's just like a jugglery." Sheng Xiyan explained patiently, "It's a trick."

Sheng Xiyan believed in destiny and gods and Buddhas, but she didn't believe that a phoenix would appear without any reason. And the phoenix was alive, but the current one only had a shape but no spirit, like a painting.

"So it's just a variety show..." Jiaoyang was not disappointed. Watching the variety show was quite interesting to her.

"Sister, there are so many people outside."

Jiuyang leaned on the railing and watched the people coming and going on the street. In just a short time, he heard that the entire street outside the left building was filled with people.

The phoenix illuminated a large area of ​​clouds red. It stayed in the air for several breaths before suddenly disappearing, silently, as if it had never appeared.

The phoenix disappeared, but the sensation it brought did not stop.

Not only did the crowd not disperse, but more and more people came over. They stood in front of the left building of the auditorium, pointing and talking, and boasting to the people who had just arrived and did not see the phoenix that they had seen it with their own eyes. The whole street was extremely lively.

"It's Feng Ming."

A voice, neither loud nor soft, broke the noise all around, and the crowd spontaneously separated to both sides. A kind-looking Taoist priest holding a white whisk walked out of the crowd. The sleeves of his Taoist robe fluttered in the wind, and he had a long beard under his chin, giving him a kind of immortal-like appearance.

"Master Yunyangzi."

His appearance made the people stand in awe.

Yunyangzi was a Taoist priest who stayed at Qingfeng Temple in the capital. He had profound Taoist skills, was good at feng shui, and could predict good and bad luck. He was quite famous among the common people and the dignitaries in the capital.

He stood outside the left building of the auditorium, his wise eyes fixed on the direction where the phoenix had just appeared. He calculated with his fingers and said with certainty: "This is a phoenix destiny sent from heaven."

He raised his whisk and pointed to the left side of the hall, and said solemnly, "A man with a great destiny has appeared here."

Yun Yangzi's voice was cold and clear, and although he didn't speak loudly, the people around him could hear it clearly.

Phoenix fate? !

The common people were shocked when they heard this. Feng Ming is a top-notch destiny. How could this person in Zuo Louli actually have Feng Ming? !

However, they saw the phoenix with their own eyes. Now that the phoenix has appeared, how could the person with the phoenix destiny be fake?

Countless eyes were cast towards Ting Zuolou, with blazing light flashing in their eyes.

"Sister, what is phoenix destiny?" Looking at the lively Jiaoyang, he took the time to turn around and asked.

Sheng Xiyan explained: "It is said that this is a destiny of great wealth and honor."

"I know!" Jiaoyang said, "Some people said Wu Da Niu had a good fate. Later, Jiang Da Niu married the youngest son of the county magistrate."

Wu Da Niu is the eldest daughter of Jiang Ting.

Jiuyang had envied her since he was a child. Everyone liked her, bought her new clothes, fed her delicious food, and she didn't have to work.

They all said that they were unlucky and deserved it.

Sheng Xiyan had been keeping an eye on Jiuyang, and seeing that she looked a little gloomy, she said at the right moment: "We, Jiuyang, have the best fate."

Jiuyang gently pinched the safety lock on his neck and felt relieved. His sister was right! She had a sister, a mother, and a brother. Her life was the best!

Sheng Xiyan let her watch her having fun and looked towards the small garden with interest.

The sky is blue and cloudless.

Zhao Yuanrou sat on the beauty's seat in the waterside pavilion, her chin slightly raised, looking in the direction of the phoenix in the sky. She seemed to be out of tune with the surrounding noise, with a kind of aloofness and arrogance that was out of this world.

The corners of Sheng Xiyan's mouth curled up slightly.

Maybe it's prejudice, but the first thing Sheng Xiyan thought of when she saw the phoenix was Zhao Yuanrou.

If it were Zhao Yuanrou, everything would make sense.

She always comes up with something weird.

In the novel, there is a scene later in which a huge white tiger appeared in the sky above the Yongning Marquis’s Mansion. Someone then declared that this was a sign of a famous minister to be born throughout history, and the news spread like wildfire throughout the city. Compared with today, there are some similarities.

Sheng Xiyan's eyes lit up with interest.

I guess this Taoist priest will come in to look for the person with the Phoenix Fate soon.

Just as Sheng Xiyan finished her thoughts, Yun Yangzi swung his snow-white whisk, and in full view of everyone, he walked into the left floor of the auditorium.

"This benefactor. I feel that there is a person with the fate of a phoenix here. Can you let me in to take a look?"

Yunyangzi had an air of immortality and was also an outsider, so the waiter was not sure how to deal with him. Just as he was hesitating, the shopkeeper came over and said in a friendly tone, "Master, please come in." He then respectfully welcomed him in.

The shopkeeper instructed the waiter, "Take the Taoist priest for a walk. Don't be negligent."

The waiter nodded in agreement and quickly led the way.

I heard that the left building is divided into the front building and the back yard. It has always been known for its elegance and excellent dishes. Therefore, even though it is expensive, it still attracts many customers.

I heard that the restaurant in front of the left building was built along the street, entertaining all guests as long as they could pay, and behind it was an elegant garden that only entertained the dignitaries of the capital.

The waiter said respectfully, "Master, would you like to go upstairs first, or go to the garden?" Thinking that he would be able to follow the master to see this man with a divine destiny, the waiter was both excited and nervous.

Yun Yangzi raised his head and looked around, then counted on his fingers and said decisively, "Let's go to the garden."

"Yes, yes!" the waiter replied, "Master, please."

The waiter led him through the restaurant's lobby and into the garden.

Although the garden is small, it is exceptionally exquisite, with everything from pavilions to bridges and flowing water.

The waiter led the way in front. Yun Yangzi counted on his fingers as he walked and muttered something inaudibly. He walked towards the waterside pavilion without any hesitation.

Yun Yangzi walked outside the water pavilion before he stopped. His appearance immediately attracted the attention of people around him.

"It's Taoist Priest Yunyangzi." Miss Liu San called out softly.

Someone asked, "Sister Ya, do you recognize her?"

Miss Liu San lowered her voice and said, "Last month, my eldest sister-in-law was about to die, so my mother took me to pray for a peace charm. Taoist Master Yun Yangzi happened to be in the temple. He counted with his fingers and said that my eldest sister-in-law would give birth to a nephew, and both mother and child would be safe. Later, my eldest sister-in-law gave birth to a nephew, and it turned out to be a nephew."

Some people have also heard about the affairs of Miss Liu San's family. It seems that her eldest sister-in-law has been married for five years and has only given birth to two daughters. Mrs. Liu was very anxious and went around begging for help every day. This caused a lot of noise in the circle of noble ladies in the capital. Many people said that she was too impatient and that it was a good thing that she did not marry her daughter to the Liu family.

Miss Liu San continued, "My mother even specially asked Taoist Yun Yangzi to read the fortune of my little nephew. The Taoist said that my nephew would have a disaster before he turned one month old. As a result, he really bit his milk and almost couldn't be saved..."

She couldn't help but feel a lingering fear as she spoke.

Then, he couldn't help but sigh: "Master Yun Yangzi is so effective."

Then someone else agreed, "That's right. My grandfather was seriously ill a while ago, and my grandmother also sought help from Taoist Master Yun Yangzi..."

While Miss Liu San and others were still talking, Yun Yangzi had already walked straight towards Zhao Yuanrou and came in front of her.

Zhao Yuanrou stood up upon seeing this, bowed, and said, "Hello, Taoist priest."

She had a thin figure, with a hint of sadness between her brows and eyes. Her wide skirt fluttered as she stood up, giving her a kind of graceful beauty.

Yun Yangzi returned the greeting and asked, "Young lady, were you born in September of the Gengchen year?"

Zhao Yuanrou looked puzzled: "What do you mean, Taoist priest?"

Yun Yangzi did not answer but only asked: "Yes or no?"

Zhao Yuanrou hesitated for a moment and said, "Yes."

"Sure enough. The young lady is indeed the one with the Phoenix Fate!" The Taoist priest couldn't help but laugh and said respectfully, "I have been traveling around the world for many years. I occasionally found a purple aura appearing in the sky above the capital, so I stayed at the Taoist temple here. Today, I finally saw the one with the Phoenix Fate. I can say that my wish has come true."

Yunyangzi predicted: "The coming of the Phoenix Girl will bring great prosperity and great blessings."

Everything is quiet.

After Yun Yangzi arrived, many people's eyes were on him, and at this moment they heard his words "the phoenix girl has come to the world" clearly.

Today, Princess Qingyue of Prince Cheng's Mansion invited many guests. As a talented woman in the capital, Zhao Yuanrou should have been the center of attention in such an occasion. However, the two betrothal invitations a while ago caused too much fuss, and today there were still people laughing at her. Zhao Yuanrou was too lazy to pay attention to them and did not write poems or lyrics like she did in the past.

But no one expected that a phoenix would appear, and in the end, Zhao Yuanrou became the one who stole the spotlight!

This made people sigh. If they had not just seen the fiery red phoenix with their own eyes, they would have thought that Yun Yangzi was misleading people.

"Master." Zhao Yuanrou straightened her back and said coldly, "I don't believe in fate. What people can rely on in their lives is not fate, but themselves." She looked proud and unyielding.

"Miss, you are right." Yun Yangzi said humbly, "Miss, you have such farsightedness, which makes me admire you very much."

Yun Yangzi bowed again and said, "I am now staying at Qingfeng Temple. If you need me in the future, you can always come to me. I will do my best to help you."

Yun Yangzi has become famous in the capital recently. It depends on fate to see him. If you don't have fate, you won't see him even if you wait. If you really want to see him, you have to wait, at least ten days or half a month.

I didn't expect him to be so polite to Zhao Yuanrou. However, thinking about the phoenix destiny again, it seemed understandable.

Zhao Yuanrou said calmly, "Thank you, Taoist priest."

"I am sorry to say that I am leaving now." Yun Yangzi said a few words of "great blessings" and then left.

Just as he was about to leave the waterside pavilion, he suddenly stopped and said to Zhou Jingxun, "My lord, you may be in danger of bloodshed today, so please be careful."

After saying that, he walked out without looking back.

As soon as Yun Yangzi left, the waterside pavilion immediately became noisy.

"There's really no such thing as a phoenix life." There are always people who are still somewhat sober and can't help but mutter.

"Master Yunyangzi didn't ask for any money, and the phoenix just now was really unusual."

If there were no phoenix, people would only believe in this so-called phoenix destiny to a point at most, but the phoenix increased the credibility of this phoenix destiny to 70%.

Zhou Jingxun's eyes flickered and his expression was a little gloomy.

He forced himself to cheer up, walked towards Zhao Yuanrou and said with a smile: "Rou'er, if you don't believe it, just ignore it. These Taoists are just charlatans who are just trying to win the favor of the people."

Zhao Yuanrou gave Zhou Jingxun a distant smile.

Zhou Jingxun felt a little sad. After the day of the engagement, Zhao Yuanrou finally paid attention to him on the surface. However, she was always distant from him, which made him feel anxious and worried.

Zhou Jingxun wanted to say something else when he heard that other people in the left building had also heard the news and were coming over. They were asking each other about it; some believed it, some didn't, and some just thought it was for fun.

There was still some distance between Shuixie and Ting Zuoyu. Sheng Xiyan could hardly hear what was being said there, so she sent Xigui to take a look, and then listened to Xigui's report with great interest.

There was excitement flashing in her eyes, and to Xigui, it seemed like his girl was watching an interesting play.

Xigui began to speak more easily and even learned some reactions from the people around him, which made Sheng Xiyan laugh.

Jiaoyang didn't understand most of what was said, but that didn't stop her from being happy along with Sheng Xiyan. She giggled like her and threw herself into her arms.

When Chu Yuanchen pushed the door open and walked in, he saw the big and small duo making a scene. He asked cheerfully, "What happened?"

"There is a phoenix." It was Jiuyang who answered.

Sheng Xiyan had taught her that one must know what is good and what is bad, and what is right and wrong. She knew that Chu Yuanchen and Jingle were both good to her, and that their kindness was selfless, so Jiaoyang gradually let down her guard.

"Achen." Sheng Xiyan greeted with a smile, and saw Xiao Shuo walking in behind Chu Yuanchen.

She was slightly startled, then bowed and said as if nothing had happened, "Mr. Xiao."

Xiao Shuo had already changed out of the red Qilin robe. He had a handsome face and a faint smile on his lips, like a gentle breeze and a bright moon.

"Miss Shengda." Xiao Shuo greeted her with a smile.

Sheng Xiyan guessed that Chu Yuanchen had already told Xiao Shuo about the jade pendant. Since Xiao Shuo didn't mention it, she didn't ask.

"This is my little wolf cub, named Jiuyang." Chu Yuanchen raised his chin towards Jiuyang, "Very fierce." When he said these three words, there was a smile in his eyes.

Jiuyang was looking at Xiao Shuo.

She was still very wary of strangers, but because Xiao Shuo was brought in by Chu Yuanchen and Sheng Xiyan obviously knew him, she relaxed a little. She bowed like Sheng Xiyan and called out obediently, "Mr. Xiao." As she moved, the small gold lock on her neck swayed.

After shouting, she looked towards Sheng Xiyan, waiting for praise.

Sheng Xiyan touched the top of her head, and Jiaoyang was satisfied at once.

"Jiaoyang."

Xiao Shuo read out the name again to show his seriousness.

There was some light in Jiaoyang's peach blossom eyes. She liked someone calling her name.

She glanced at Sheng Xiyan, thought carefully, and said, "Mr. Xiao, please sit down."

Xiao Shuo sat down with a smile on his face. The eunuch he brought with him came forward to pour him some tea, then stood quietly aside.

Chu Yuanchen also sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and filled Sheng Xiyan's cup. He raised his eyebrows and said with interest: "Phoenix? No wonder there are so many people gathered outside, talking about the phoenix and the phoenix's fate. Right?" He was asking Xiao Shuo.

Xiao Shuo was holding the teacup, skimming the foam on it slowly. He nodded slightly when he heard this.

Chu Yuanchen drank half a cup of tea in one breath, put the teacup on the table casually, and said, "It seems there is another Taoist priest?"

When they arrived, there were so many people gathered in and out of the street that they could hardly squeeze in.

"He also found the Phoenix Girl." Sheng Xiyan covered her mouth with her hands and smiled, and told him everything that had just happened. She added, "The Taoist priest is called Yun Yangzi, and he just left. I heard that he is quite famous in the capital."

Xiao Shuo gave a look, and the eunuch stepped forward and said, "Yun Yangzi came to the capital two years ago. He was unknown at first. When the concubine of Prince Cheng was possessed by an evil spirit, he performed a ritual and the concubine was cured on the spot. Since then, he has become famous in the capital."

"Later, with the recommendation of Prince Cheng's Mansion, he went around several households in the capital, and his reputation became even greater."

"He is best at fortune-telling, and he rarely makes mistakes."

After the young eunuch finished speaking, he quietly retreated to the side.

Sheng Xiyan was stunned.

Is this Dongchang? He knows everything about the capital city, and can remember the origins of any person he mentions?

Seeing Chu Yuanchen acting like he was used to it, Sheng Xiyan couldn't help but wonder if she was being too surprised.

All right!

Dongchang is just that capable. When I think about it this way, I accept it naturally.

Chu Yuanchen raised his eyebrows, played with the teacup, and said, "This is to create momentum."

Sheng Xiyan tilted her head slightly.

Chu Yuanchen smiled and made the final decision: "Prince Zhao wants the throne."

Chu Yuanchen did not intend to avoid the topic and said directly: "Nowadays, the emperor always cancels court sessions, so it is inevitable that he has some uneasy thoughts. The emperor has no son, and those who want to succeed him can only rely on King Zhao."

Sheng Xiyan knew that even Sheng Xingan had thought of this, and he was discouraged. He had been quiet for a while, and recently he had set his sights on Conglong Zhigong of Zhenbei Palace. Anyway, as long as he didn't do anything with his eyes closed, Sheng Xiyan didn't bother to pay attention.

Chu Yuanchen continued, "Although Prince Zhao is the Queen Mother's legitimate son, he has neither real power nor military authority. No matter how good the throne is, it is not something that a powerless prince like him can get just by wanting it."

So, we have to build momentum first.

“Shouldn’t we use a dragon to build momentum for King Zhao? A true dragon emperor or something like that?” Sheng Xiyan figured it out as soon as she finished speaking.

The emperor is not dead yet, he is still sitting on the throne. Prince Zhao is trying to build up his reputation as the true Dragon Emperor, unless he thinks he has lived too long.

It is much easier to create momentum for the Phoenix Girl.

By then, if King Zhao married Fengnu, his influence among the people would also rise.

Seeing that Sheng Xiyan suddenly understood, Chu Yuanchen's smile deepened.

It was so easy to talk to her. He didn't need to explain too much. She would understand immediately as long as he mentioned it. She could always communicate with him. Chu Yuanchen sighed silently in his heart. Why was their wedding date next year?

He smiled slightly and continued, "Prince Zhao really took great pains for this Miss Zhao."

Sheng Xiyan nodded silently.

This was not only to build momentum for King Zhao, but also for Zhao Yuanrou.

Zhao Yuanrou's reputation in the capital was already very bad because of the troubles she caused during her previous two marriage proposals. She had almost become a topic of conversation among people. However, all of this should be overshadowed by today's "Phoenix Girl".

When he looked towards the garden again, Zhao Yuanrou was surrounded by many people, but Zhou Jingxun seemed to be excluded by everyone and stood aside silently.

The Phoenix Girl’s campaign has probably just begun, and there will surely be more action to come.

At this moment, Jiaoyang let out a small cry, and a colorful embroidery ball was thrown in from the window and fell right into Jiaoyang's hand.

This is an embroidery ball that girls like to play with. It is made of satin and bells. It is delicate and beautiful.

Jiaoyang looked over and saw two little girls of her age standing below. One of them pointed at the embroidery ball in her hand and said with a smile, "Can you drop it down for us?"

Sheng Xiyan gave her an encouraging smile, and Jiaoyang picked up the embroidery ball with both hands and threw it down gently.

The little girl caught the embroidery ball, thanked him, looked up, and said in a loud voice, "Would you like to come down and play with us?"

Jiuyang shook his head.

The little girl was a little disappointed, then smiled and said, "We are playing by the lake in front. If you want to play with us, come find us."

She waved to Jiaoyang, then skipped away with the embroidery ball in her arms.

"Do you want to go play with them?" Sheng Xiyan asked.

Jiuyang hesitated for a moment.

Sheng Xiyan smiled and said, "It's okay if you want to go or not. Don't force yourself."

Jiaoyang smiled. She didn't want to play with others, she just wanted to be with her sister!

She subconsciously tried to pinch the safety lock again, but this time, she pinched nothing.

When Jiaoyang lowered his head, he found that the small gold locket hanging around his neck was missing.

This is Jingle's gift to her.

Jingle said that she had personally asked for this before Jiuyang was born.

Jiang Yuanyi never used this safety lock. Jingle kept it for more than ten years. After Jiaoyang came back, she hung it on her daughter with her own hands, praying for her daughter to live a long and safe life.

Jiuyang likes it very much and wears it every day. Whenever he is nervous or happy, he will pinch it.

"Sister, Ping An is missing."

Sheng Xiyan was slightly startled, and several people quickly stood up and searched the private room.

I looked under the tables and chairs, but there was nothing in the private rooms.

Sheng Xiyan guessed, "Maybe it got caught on the embroidery ball just now."

Jiuyang had been wearing it before, and she had been in the private room without going out, so it could only be that it was accidentally caught on the embroidery ball and thrown down.

"I'll take Jiaoyang out to look for them." Sheng Xiyan said to Chu Yuanchen, "They said they were playing with colored balls by the lake."

Chu Yuanchen asked: "Do you want me to go with you?"

Sheng Xiyan laughed and said, "No need. We'll be back soon." They couldn't just leave Xiao Shuo alone in the private room, right?

As she spoke, she took Jiuyang downstairs, and Xigui followed.

I heard from Zuo Lou that it was neither small nor big. The lake was not far ahead. There were waterside pavilions and warm pavilions by the lake. Many people were playing nearby, and a beautiful colorful ball was being tossed back and forth among several little girls.

Sheng Xiyan held Jiaoyang's hand and walked straight towards the lake.

"Sister, my safety lock."

Jiaoyang had sharp eyes and saw from a distance a small peace lock lying on the lakeside, shining faintly in the sunlight.

The safety lock might have been hanging on the embroidery ball, and it fell off when they were playing with it, and no one noticed.

"I'll pick it up."

Jiuyang walked over happily. At this moment, someone happened to be walking along the lakeside. Seeing that he might step on the safety lock, Jiuyang could not help but shout, "Please wait."

The man stopped and looked back. Only then did Sheng Xiyan realize that it was Zhou Jingxun.

He didn't know when he came out of the water pavilion. His face was gloomy and he exuded a gloomy aura.

When he saw Sheng Xiyan, he narrowed his eyes unkindly.

Sheng Xiyan took two steps at a time and walked over to Jiuyang, grabbing his hand.

"My safety lock..." Jiaoyang didn't know who he was, so he said politely, "It's right under your feet. Can you give it to me?"

Jiaoyang mustered up the courage to talk to the stranger.

When Zhou Jingxun heard this, he looked down and saw the safety lock that was half a step in front of his feet.

He sneered and stepped on it.